This document summarizes the history and development of Robot Framework, an open source test automation framework. It discusses how Robot Framework originated from the creator's master's thesis prototypes in 2004-2005. It was later developed at Nokia Networks in 2005 and open sourced in 2008. It is now widely used globally and in Finland. The document outlines current and future plans for new releases and libraries to expand Robot Framework's capabilities and growing user base.

1. How did we get here?
Where do we go next?
Pekka Klärck
Independent consultant
Lead developer of Robot Framework
peke@eliga.fi :: http://eliga.fi
http://robotframework.org

2. Prototype phase
● Based on prototypes I did for my Master's
Thesis 2004 – 2005
● Inspired by my earlier projects and
literature study
● Target was to create common components
to ease implementing custom frameworks
● Major learning was that we can create a
generic, extendable framework

3. Architecture

4. Prototype test cases

5. Prototype user keywords

6. Prototype library

7. Early Nokia Networks days
● Real Robot Framework development
started at Nokia Networks 2005
● Old colleague needed an automation
solution to a heterogeneous environment
● Usage spread rapidly and organically
within the company
● Supported by team of 2-5 developers

8. Early days test cases

9. Early days user keywords

10. Early days library

11. Early days log

12. Open sourcing
● Robot Framework open sourced 2008
● Rich ecosystem formed around it
– Generic test libraries, editor support, CI
support, ...
● Very active and friendly community
emerged
● Nokia sponsored development until 2015

13. Where are we now?
● Widely used around the world
– Web testing, embedded devices, REST
interfaces, protocol testing, databases, ...
● De facto standard in Finland
– Nokia, Kone, Metso, Vaisala, Finnair,
Veikkaus, OpusCapita, Eläketurvakeskus, ...
● Development nowadays sponsored by
Robot Framework Foundation

14. Current test data

15. Current log and report

16. Near future plans
● Robot Framework 3.0.3 soon
– Smallish enhancement and bug fixes
● Robot Framework 3.1 hopefully 2018
– Skip status
– Enhancements to handling lists and mappings
– Dropping support of HTML and TSV test data
● SSHLibrary 3.0 with Python 3 support
● New library for REST/JSON testing

17. Longer term wishes
● Test data parser rewrite
– Native support for if/else structures
– Using outside Robot Framework
● Better editor support
● User Guide enhancements
– Better format, proofreading, editing, ...
● More tutorials and demos
● Book

18. Growing user base globally
● Robot Framework Foundation extending
outside Finland
● Meetups and other local events
● More RoboCon!

19. How can you help?
● Spread the word
– Recommend to colleagues
– Present at testing meetups and conferences
– Start local Robot Framework meetups
● Contribute to existing projects
● Release new libraries and tools
● Try to get your company to join Robot
Framework Foundation

20. Questions?
Thanks!
peke@eliga.fi :: http://eliga.fi
http://robotframework.org